Standhardinger proves he is worthy of Fiba Asia spot as Gilas’ naturalized player

TAIPEI – With Andray Blatche uncertain to play for Gilas Pilipinas as its naturalized player in the Fiba Asia Championship late next month, Christian Standhandinger, though with Filipino roots, is on stand by.

And on Sunday night, just after declaring that he would “do better” in just his second official game wearing the Philippine tri-colors, the 6-foot-7 banger showed why he is a worthy candidate.

Standhardinger was all grit and hustle and manned the paint with unmatched intensity for the Filipinos against Chinese Taipei A, finishing with 17 points and 15 rebounds in just 25 minutes in an impressive 88-72 win.

Those were Blatche-like numbers that came, unknown to many, a night after he and coach Chot Reyes had a shouting match on the court during the fourth quarter of a losing stand against Canada 150.

“He’s an option for the Fiba,” Reyes said. “Because we are not sure about Andray.”

And it seems that Standhardinger is having a blast doing this.

“I love playing with these (Gilas) guys, they play with a lot of heart and a lot of fighting spirit. Puso!” Standhandinger said. “Every time we play together it seems like we’re getting better.”